Acute and chronic management of posterolateral corner injuries of the knee

Abstract

Isolated injury to the PLC of the knee is rare. More commonly seen is injury to the PLC combined with other ligamentous and bony knee injuries, such as ACL and PCL tears and tibial plateau fractures. Prompt recognition and treatment of PLC injuries is important as failure to do so can compromise the success of PLC repair or reconstruction, as well as the success of associated ACL or PCL reconstructions. Clinical management of the PLC is dictated by the severity of injury and timing of diagnosis. A general treatment algorithm can be followed based on grade of injury, but individualized treatment is necessary for each patient and must be based on an understanding of the biomechanics of the injury and of surgical principles.